MonStar didnt watch the final moments of the Maltese Fox as it entered the stars corona and began to disintegrate. Normally he would revel in the sight of such a large kill. Bouncing his roaring laughter off the walls of the Necrosis, knowing the pain and suffering those on the ship were experiencing. But something had his attention, something more interesting.
He stood over the naked form of Sheiya Dacey, the girl he had captured so long ago. He had broken her spirit and mind, forcing her to watch her childhood friend along with countless others being tortured and killed before her. The trauma of those horrific sights left her hollow, spending most of her time just staring off into space seemingly oblivious to anything that went on around her.
She lay very still on the platform where she spent most of her time. During the battle with the Outcast fleet, several explosions rang out on the bridge of the Necrosis. Those explosions sent fire and debris flying across the room. During one of the explosions Sheiya was struck in the abdomen by a broken power conduit, impaling her on its way to stick solidly into the platform below her.
Her breaths came further and further apart. She lay on her side with the broken conduit protruding at a sharp angle from her mid section; blood flowed freely from the mortal wound. She never looked at MonStar as he had approached to loom over her choosing instead to stare blankly at the wall as the darkness came upon her.
Master. A voice called out to the madman from behind. MonStar held up a finger, signaling Psi-Borg to wait. The maniac squatted down beside the dying woman, a wide smile beginning to stretch across his face. He sat very still as Sheiya took a deep breath, her eyes rolled into the back of her head, and just as death came upon the young lady, a smile appeared on her face.
HA! MonStar said triumphantly, standing up with a jerk. You see Borgy, all things come to he who waits. The madman pointed at the fresh corpse of the Sheiya Dacey as he turned to regard the face on the cracked monitor behind him, All creatures fear death, its their nature. Despite the claims some make, when the time comes, when they see it come with certainty before them, their true feelings leap out. This one however, was different. After all that she had witnessed, all the things considered horrific by these meat bags happening before her. When death came, she welcomed it. Nothing new I agree, but instead of the typical response shown when it at last it came. She enjoyed it. HAHAHAHAHAAAA!
Yes Master, Psi-Borg said indifferently, Your cruelty is surely unrivaled. Not to break up the fun of your little experiment, but you have more pressing matters to attend to.
Yes I know all to well our predicament Borgy.
Then you are aware that the reactor is on the verge of going critical?
Indeed.
That the weapons, shields, and all but two of the engines are no longer functioning?
MonStar merely nodded, showing very little concern over the grave news. Psi-Borg paused for a moment staring hard at its master. The program marveled at its masters amazing ability to remain totally unpredictable, even for its advanced artificial intelligence, Psi-Borg found it difficult to predict its masters next move.
What are your orders my master? Psi-Borg said at last.
Use the remaining nanobots to keep the engines running as long as possible. The reactor is too far-gone Im afraid and will need to be jettisoned. Well just have to rely on reserve power for the short term.
Consulting our star charts, Psi-Borg began, I see that there are no suitable docks around. Are you meaning to abandon the Necrosis?
HAHAHHAAA, MonStar threw his head back as he erupted with laughter, No No Borgy, at least not permanently. This old bird has served me well and Im not ready to release it quite yet.
MonStar patted the cracked monitor holding Psi-Borgs image reassuringly, Fear not my pet, I know of a dry-dock that is capable of facilitating our needs.
The emergency power will undoubtedly fail before we reach our goal. Psi-Borg said bluntly stating the obvious.
My arent we just the little worrywart, MonStar said tilting his head slightly, a smirk showing on his face. Have a little faith my virtual friend, patience is needed to achieve great things, you would be wise to remember this.
As you wish my master. Psi-Borg said with a nod.
MonStar turned, walked over to his bone throne, and sat down. Turning his gaze upon the motionless body of Sheiya Dacey, that familiar maniacal smile returned to the madmans face in full, Great things indeed.
*Omicron Theta System*
*Onboard The Junker Freighter Vostromeda*
Whats it telln ye now? a rough voice called out from below a sensor console that looked like it hadnt been used in many years.
Status unchanged, A robotic voice answered, misalignment of sensor regulator.
Bah! Turned the dern thing the wrong blasted way. The rough voice trailed off into incoherent mumbling as the sound of cranking began emanating from beneath the old console.
Tryr now.
Sensor regulator aligned. The monotone robot voice responded.
A pair of legs appeared as the source of the rough voice came shuffling out from under the console feet first.
Tab Troep stood to his feet grinning gleefully, his teeth barely showing through his thick black beard. He was a short man, abnormally so, barely reaching to the waistline of most average height people. Unlike a majority of people his height, his body remained symmetrical. Looking more like an undersized person rather than being the product of some unknown health condition. Despite his short stature, he bore a stocky frame; Round bulbous shoulders, a barrel chest, and thick limbs, no doubt from a life of manual labor.
How much ye wanna bet it works? Tab bragged to the robot in front of him. The robot was obviously a much older model than the ones found in operation around Sirius. A piecemeal of several salvaged robots put together to make one working one. Despite the robot being built from scrap the craftsmanship was remarkably well done.
Bet? the robot asked tilting its head to the side.
Bah! Tab said waving a dismissive hand at the thing and turning his attention to the sensor console.
The robot straightened its head and continued, The new sensor calibration will work as planned. The purpose of the modification remains unclear.
HA! Tab blurted out, pulling a small stool over in front of the console so he could reach the controls. I didnt build ye to think tinhead, I needed ye around to do a bit of the reachn. So, ye be stickn to dat and Ill keep the brain work to meself. Tab jumped up on the stool, finally able to reach the controls he pushed the power button and the old console sprang to life. Bringing a big smile from the tiny man aimed at his robot companion.
He quickly turned back as the monitor popped on. He scanned over then images shown and giggled lightly. See here metal butt, he said pointing to the screen, most sensors filter the debris found in the void out of the read out. Yer not to be known how quick that debris can be pilen up. It may not be lookn to be much but when ye get enough of it, it can earn ye a fair bit of coin to be sure.
He turned to look at the robot to his side to find it just staring blankly at him. His grin left shortly after it appeared turning into a sour frown before he turned back to the sensors.
I went to fiddlen with the filters see, Tab pointed to the screen which was full of white boxes, each showing the location of variable sized chunks of debris. Now it shows me those little gems, and since they be targetable now
The tractor beam can now retrieve them. The robot finished the sentence, bringing a look of mild surprise from its creator.
Well buckle me buttons! Tab shouted, slapping himself on the knee, I knew ye had er in ye Scrappy. There might be hope for ye yet. The robot continued to look at Tab blankly; slightly tilting its head as it attempted to understand the meaning. And maybe not. Tab said shaking his head. He gave a deep sigh and turned back to the monitor.
Well now, this be a bit of intrigue. Tab leaned in closer to the screen, resting his elbow on its edge as he brought his hand up to stroke his thick beard. Its lookn like this debris is formn a trail.
Logic dictates that the smaller pieces of debris that form the trail lead to a larger piece of debris. The robot leaned closer to the screen as it spoke, mimicking its creators actions.
Tab Troep shot a look of disbelief toward the piecemeal robot, Well at least ye be tryn I guess. He couldnt help but grin at the humorous sight of the robot. Hows about maken yerself useful and start tractorn the stuff in.
The robot immediately stood back up straight, turned, and walked away. Tab didnt watch it leave, he remained focused on the screen. With the size of the debris trail, whatever lay at the end promised to large, at least larger than anything Tab had ever come across. He couldnt help but get excited at the possibilities.
Ahhh shes a beauty if I dont say so meself. Tab said as he looked at the source of the trail of the debris he had been following for several hours. The debris, Tab now knew, were pieces of a damaged ship. Not knowing if the ship was still populated or more importantly if the guns were still functioning, the Vostromeda cautiously approached. The retrieval of the ship debris was abandoned once the damaged ship appeared on the scanner, choosing to fly to the ship immediately.
The ship closely resembled an Outcast capital ship Tab had seen a few weeks back while doing some trading on Yanagi in the Sigma 13 system. Despite the extensive damage to the ship, Tab could tell that there was something different about this ship from the one he saw outside of the Junker base. As he flew the Vostromeda closer, his suspicions were confirmed. Tab could see that the ship had extra hull plate attached to it, an attempt to reinforce the ships already impressively armored hull.
Tab was in the middle of running through possible answers to the many questions the ship provided when his thoughts were interrupted.
Scan complete, A robotic voice announced, Tab at first threw a puzzled look at his robot helper, forgetting that hed told the thing to scan the ship when they were within range. His bushy eyebrows arched stiffly, Finally remembering the task hed given it.
Alright then, lets have it.
The vessel is heavily damaged. The robot stated
Ah ye dang clanker! Tab spun his pilots chair around to face the robot sitting beside him and began flailing his arms and legs toward it in frustration, Coulda told ye that meself just by lookn at er. Tell me something I cant be figuring out with me own eyes!
The robot, unphased by its creators outburst, turned toward him tilting its head inquisitively, Would that include the numerous hull breaches?
Tab crossed his arms and shot a fowl look at the robot, Aye.
The robot straightened its head back as it turned back to its console. The reactor has been jettisoned and the emergency power batteries have been depleted, leaving all systems non functional, determining which systems are functional without power to each is impossible to ascertain. Scanning the vessel also revealed no life forms on board.
Not sure what happened to er, poor souls look like they put up more than a bit of a fight. Tab jumped down from his chair and began walking out of the cockpit, Im headn over to see what kinda haul weve found ourselves.
He stopped and turned back to the robot who had begun following him out. Nooooo, I need ye to stay with the ship see. Done programmed the coordinates of the airlock were to dock at meself. I just need ye to keep the engine running incase Im needn to make a quick getta way.
The Robot just stared down at Tab, apparently not understanding his meaning.
Bah! Just stay here ya bucket a bolts! Ill be back shortly. Tab turned and stormed off, mumbling to himself as he went.
Tab Troep floated weightlessly down the corridor of the wrecked Outcast Destroyer. He was nearly to the point of drooling as he took a mental inventory of the variety of valuable equipment he passed as he made his way to the ships bridge.
He couldnt believe his luck; he never would have believed he would ever come across such a priceless find. He let his mind wander at what he could do with the profits he would undoubtedly receive from salvaging the ship. His eyes glazed over as he licked his lips over the images rushing through his head.
In his dreamlike trance he nearly slammed headlong into a large mass floating in the corridor ahead of him. At the last moment he put his arms up to deflect the object. He pushed it off to his side, the force of that push sending him into the adjacent wall in return. Tab grabbed onto a conduit on the wall to stop himself. Turning back to see what the object he nearly rammed into, he saw a robot. The robot was apparently on standby as far as Tab could tell. Making no move to address Tab in any way, the robot bounced off the far wall and floated off down the corridor unphased.
Tab skewed his face into his typical thoughtful expression. That was at least the sixth robot that he had passed since he entered the wrecked ship. At first he was thrilled to at last have a proper robot to replace the troublesome unit that current watched over the Vostromeda. Now after finding so many, Tab began to realize that he was nearly to the warships bridge and he had yet to find any human remains. A ship this size was sure to have housed a large crew but where were they?
Tab pushed off the wall, resuming his course to the bridge. He had finally concluded that the crew must have dealt with their dead, either jettisoning them into space or taking them with them when they themselves disembarked the ship.
The thoughts of the crew making it off the vessel made Tab realize that the Outcast, hearing that their vessel was intact so close to the Corsairs, would indeed want to retrieve the ship themselves.
Tab knew he had to finish prepping the ship in a hurry if he wanted to salvage it. If he could manage to tow it to Bornholm his claim on it would be solidified, as would be his fortune. But it was a long trip and the sooner he got started the better.
Tabs heart began to race as the excitement built, he had to hurry.
Tab strained as he pulled at the pry bar he had wedged under the cover of the service panel. He had finally reached the door leading onto the bridge of the wrecked destroyer, only to find it shut tight. Without any power to the ship it would be difficult to force the door open even for a normal sized person. But what Tab lacked in physical stature he more than made up for in brain power, and he was rarely found unprepared.
The cover finally gave in to Tabs tugging and broke free. The cover went flying away in the absence of gravity and Tab would have surely followed had it not been for the tether he had attached before attempting to pry at the cover. The rope of the tether went taught only a short distance from the wall, snapping Tab back toward the service panel where he regained his hold.
He reached around and pulled a cord from one of his many tool belts that adorned his pressure suit. The cord had a serrated clamp on its end and was attached to a small box on the backside of Tabs waist. After a brief look over the panel, he clamped the end of the cord onto a small conduit. A smile erupted across Tabs face and he chuckled slightly as the door slid open under its own power.
Tab disconnected the cord and his tether and pulled himself over to the edge of the door to peer in. the small light on his suits helmet did little to illuminate the dark void of the room. However, He could barely make out the outline of a terminal in the distance. Tab pulled hard on the lip of the door sending him flying across the dark expanse in the direction of the terminal.
The hard pull made Tab cover the distance from the door to the terminal in a matter of seconds. He kept his light focused on the upcoming terminal, trying to find a handhold so he didnt just bounce off of it.
Tab slammed into the terminal and grabbed at the small handle on its face to stop himself. Ah me luck seems to be holdn steady. Tab said happily as he realized the terminal wasnt damaged. He quickly attached his tether to the handle and climbed down below the terminals console to access the maintenance panel at its base.
The cover of the panel slip away easily. After a quick glance, Tab easily found the power coupling. Once again reaching for the clamp he had used to open the door and attaching it to the coupling. He felt the slight vibration of the terminal springing to life and the glow of the consoles controls above him confirmed it had power.
Tab climbed back up to the control console. As he reached to access the console the monitor filled with static. Confused, he looked to the small panel on his forearm, where the status bar for his portable battery was. Realizing he hadnt overloaded the terminal, he turned his gaze back to the monitor screen just as the static cleared, revealing a digital face. The face seemed to look right at him, but Tab knew that was impossible until a voice came over the speakers in his helmet. Welcome to the Necrosis, I trust youll enjoy your stay. The words matched the movements of the now sinister looking digital face's lips. The lights on the bridge began to glow, pulling Tabs attention away from the monitor.
He looked around at his newly illuminated surroundings. Bones lined the walls, placed so that they appeared to form the structure of the ship itself. At the captains position there sat what resembled more of a throne than a chair, it too was intricately covered in bones. The shear amount of bones needed to do this was astounding. Tab, felt nauseous, the person who did this had to be a monsterthen it hit him. All the pieces began to fall into place. He had heard talk of a ship such as this from a Junker in the Sigma 13 system. The same Junker went on to mention who it was that commanded that vessel. His eyes went wide, as the gravity of his situation finally hit him.
He turned around just in time to see the door to the bridge slowly closing. He turned and looked once more at the face on the screen. Psi-Borg grinned mischievously at Tab. Tab reached back and grabbed a hold of the cord coming out of his battery pack and yanked hard. The cord snapped out of the side of the battery box with a cloud of sparks.
The bridge went dark; now that the power was removed the room was once more asleep. Tab removed his tether as fast as he could and shoved off toward the door that he had entered from. To his relief the door hadnt shut completely and once he reached it, he was able to squeeze through.
He sailed down the corridor muttering curses the whole way. His dreams were shot, not only was there no way he would ever think of salvaging this vessel but now he had to hope his presence here hadnt been noticed beyond the obvious. The fortune that so preoccupied his thoughts only moments before were replaced with hopes for survival. All he wanted at that point was to reach the Vostromeda and get as far away from there as possible.
The airlock doors leading back into the Vostromeda opened with a hiss. Tab burst through the doors still muttering curses and hopping on one leg while kicking the other in an attempt to remove the last bit of his pressure suit that had wadded up on that foot while removing it.
Scraps! he shouted, tossing his now removed suit against the wall just outside of the airlock before turning and running down the corridor toward the cockpit.
Scrappy ya dang bag-a-bolts, get yer metal butt in gear an start up them engines! Tab received no response; all he could hear was the sound of his boots banging on the hard floor of the corridor as he ran and his own heavy breathing.
Tab Troep tried to convince himself that the robot was likely out of range of his shouts, he reminded himself that it was built out of junk, and more than likely its audio receivers were probably on the frits. He found it difficult to reassure himself though considering the circumstances.
Tab came around the corner and slid to a stop in front of the cockpits door. He pushed the button beside the door repeatedly, despite the door beginning to open after the first press.
He looked into the cockpit for his metallic companion but saw no signs of him. Stupid nut bucket, cant ye even obey one simple order.
Tab hurried to his flight chair and climbed into it, I tell ye to stay put, he complained to himself as he ignited the engines and disconnected from the wrecked destroyers docking clamps, and whada ye do? I bet ye didnt even walk yer little metal butt back in here did ye? ya little
Tabs voice trailed off as something caught his eye, bringing his attention from the panel in front of him to look out of the front windows of the Vostromeda. Just outside, no more than two hundred from where he sat was a fighter. Its guns aimed right at the Vostromeda.
Tabs eyes stretched wide, and the color drained from his face. Just as he was about to undoubtedly spew out a handful of colorful words suitable for such a situation, he stopped. He sat frozen in his chair; he could feel a sharp point on his throat. He angled his eyes down as much as he could only to verify his fears. The point indeed belonged to a very large knife that apparently came from directly behind his chair.
Well well well, a deep voice announced from behind Tabs chair, What do we have here? before Tab could even feel that the tip of the blade was gone, Tab was spun around in his chair in a quick 180 degree rotation. The spin brought him around and stopped when he was face to face with the source of that deep voice.
Tab continued to wear the same look of shock as he looked upon that face. Tabs expression was greeted with a smile as MonStar took the seat directly in front of Tabs. MonStar let the uncomfortable silence hang in the air as he ran his metallic thumb across the tip of his knife.
Tab Troep is it? MonStar said finally breaking the silence.
Tab could only nod his head, as the words seemed to escape him.
Ahh very good. MonStar looked at the blade he held in his hand and then quickly cut his eyes back to Tab, raising his eyebrow stiffly before quickly putting it back into its sheath.
Now then Tab, he said leaning back into his chair, It would be a silly thing for me to believe that you dont understand the gravity of your situation and under normal circumstances it would indeed be grave. MonStar paused as he chuckled to himself over the obvious pun. Tab could only manage a hard swallow as the laughter of the beast in front of him sent shivers up his spine.
However you have found me in a bit of a predicament, MonStar pointed to the Necrosis through the window, As you can see my home is a bit of a wreck. MonStar nodded slowly and gave a deep sigh as he looked at the ship through the window over Tabs shoulder.
Im not going to lie to you Tabby, I took a little stroll through your ships computer, the monitor beside MonStar turned on by itself and began cycling through various blueprints. Ive got to admit, you do some very impressive things with some very unimpressive junk. MonStar brought his hands up in front of his face inquisitively, It makes me wonder what you can accomplish with proper materials.
Tab relaxed a bit, beginning to catch onto the madmans meaning. Yebe wantnme to repair yer ship? the little man stuttered.
Oh now Tab, I can get a simple repair from anywhere, MonStar looked to the blueprints on the screen beside him, theres got to be another reason why Im not peeling the skin from your bones right now.
Tab relaxed even further, he now understood why he wasnt dead. There was no doubt in Tabs mind that if his life couldnt benefit the monster in front of him, then he wouldnt be sitting in that chair still breathing.
Tab nodded slightly Upgrade.
Indeed, A smile crossed MonStars face, apparently pleased that they were now on the same page, at first I wouldve settled for a mere repair, but after seeing your obvious talent. Ive decided to go in a different direction.
Tab brought a hand up to stroke his beard thoughtfully. This wasnt the first time hed been approached by dangerous individuals requesting that something be made for them. Some of the blueprints cycling on the screen were of such projects, but this new client was different he knew. He took a deep breath, he was on a one way stream now, and could only go with the flow or he would most certainly drown. Ifn ye be wantn this done anytime soon, yer gonna be needn a bit more labor than meself alone. Not to mention a shop big enough to be fitn the thing in.
Dont worry yourself about such things, MonStar said waving a hand toward Tab dismissively, you design my masterpiece, and Ill take care of the rest.
As MonStar spoke those last words, Tab felt the Vostromeda jump. He turned to see that it had began moving on its. Tab turned back to MonStar who continued to aim that evil smile at him. Despite his circumstances and the uncertainty of his own future, Tab found himself returning that smile.
Ye be full of surprises to be sure. Tab chuckled lightly, the initial fear of the encounter finally fading away after he knew that he was in no immediate danger.
HAHAHAHAHAAAAHAA! MonStar roared, You amuse me Tabby. MonStar stood up and began to walk out of the room, stopping at the door to turn back toward Tab, Well discuss what I want from you further once weve arrived at out destination. I look forward to seeing the new Necrosis. Im hoping you are full of surprises as well. MonStar flashed a wild look at Tab before turning and exiting the room.
Tabs thoughts swirled, he was both excited and terrified. He had always wanted to design a ship, he even had several ideas already but never had he dreamed it would ever come to pass. But what would happen though when it did pass, once he was done with his design, once his usefulness was finished, what would MonStar do with him. The result was obvious even before he asked himself the question.
He thought of delaying the design, prolonging it. But he knew his every move would likely be watched. Tab dropped his face into his hands and rubbed his eyes as if he were trying to clear his head. He finally sat back in his chair and looked out the front window to watch the Vostromeda begin to tow the wrecked Necrosis. He sighed and his eyes glazed over as he lost himself in his thoughts.
*Omicron Kappa System*
*Planet Gammu*
*Hanger Bay 621-B*
MonStar stood in the control room and looked out the window overlooking the massive hanger bay. He watched as the Necrosis, still damaged from the fight with his fathers fleet, slowly hovered in. The once crippled Necrosis, slowly sat down to rest on the hanger floor under its own power. Once it was at last landed, a grin stretched across MonStars face and a small chuckle escaped through his exposed teeth.
The screen beside him popped and fizzed momentarily before a familiar digitized face appeared. MonStar didnt look to the screen but continued to stare out the window and the newly arrived ship in the hanger, seemingly expecting Psi-Borgs arrival.
It would seem our home is to be in good hands. MonStar said finally, through the window he watched as a multitude of robots began to secure the Necrosis.
I am indeed impressed with the humans technical prowess, master. Psi-Borg replied in his typical monotone voice, Repairing the landing thrusters and restoring emergency power is no small feat, especially with the time table that was given. However, I do question whether the decision to allow this organic to redesign the Necrosis is wise.
MonStars smile seemed to widen a bit, Your concerns are warranted Borgy. This human could very easily design in flaws or otherwise sabotage the ships design. I have considered the risk of such things, but your logic betrays you my pet. You fail to factor in the human ego. After looking at this humans record of clients and past projects he is, by far, the perfect candidate. Not once has he ever disappointed the host of pirates, cutthroats, and none-do-wellrs that he has provided services for. Some have even been return customers. No, this one puts his pride on the line when creating his art. I dare say he couldnt sabotage his work even if he had to.
Master, I fail to comprehend your reasoning. My concerns remain unchanged. The logical path would be to have the robots repair the Necrosis and purge this organic.
Oh borgy, do have some faith in your master. I have conveyed what I expect out of the new ship to the human and he works on the design as we speak. Fear not my minion, your master is not as foolish as you would think. I will not simply allow the human to work unattended. That is why Im sending you to thoroughly watch over his work to assure that the design is indeed functional.
As you wish master.
The robots have us on their logs as a trade vessel receiving repairs. This will allow us to remain hidden until our work here is complete. They will provide us with all the necessary components we require with no questions asked. Everything is going according to plan. MonStar crossed his arms in front of him, still staring out the window. You will come to understand my reasoning for this venture soon enough Borgy. For now, concern yourself only with watching over the human. Whom I believe is in need of being watched at this very moment. MonStar ended by turning his gaze toward the monitor holding Psi-Borg image.
Yes master. Psi-Borg taking the hint vanished from the monitor.
MonStar looked back to the window and beyond to watch the robots and their heavy equipment moving into position around the Necrosis. A smile returned to his face, his thoughts drifting to what lay ahead in the non-to distance future.
Soon, yes.very soon. The Necrosis Prime will be completed. It will once again take to the dark void, and the suffering will begin. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAHAA!
Javier Gomez pulled desperately at small handholds he found in the hard metal grating that made up the floor of corridor. Each handhold allowing him to drag his broken body only a few inches at a time. The extra weight of his limp legs dragging behind him made his progress across the floor much more difficult.
Shortly after landing on the planet for repairs, the result of an encounter with several Nomad ships, the corsair pilot and his wingmen were ambushed. Blind-sided from seemingly out of nowhere, the trio of Corsairs were completely taken off guard.
Their attacker made quick work of Javiers friends, sending the first corpse flying into Javier who was attempting to reach for his sidearm. The flying body knocked him to the ground and pinned him underneath it.
From underneath his friend, Javier could hear his remaining wingmen screaming. He shoved at the dead weight of the body of top of him. Panic set in as he leaned up to push his friends body the rest of the way off and could finally see their attacker. Having heard the rumors, he knew upon first sight who their attacker was.
MonStar ripped the heart from his friends chest as Javier kicked off the body that had been on top of him. He turned away, seeing his sidearm only a few yards away; he began to crawl toward it. As he crawled it seemed time began to crawl as if he were moving in slow motion.
With only a few feet separating him from his gun he began to think he may have a chance. But a sharp piercing pain erupted from his back as MonStar delivered a powerful forearm blow to his lower spine. With a loud cracking sound Javiers spine snapped like a twig might under the weight of a boulder.
So there he found himself crawling across the floor in futility, the shadow of a monster looming over him. He reached out to grab the gun that was finally within his reach. Just as his fingers touched the handle a boot came from the side, kicking it across the room out of sight.
MonStar was on him in a flash, quicker than Javier wouldve imagined. He felt a hand grab his hair, yanking his head to the side. He felt MonStars face move in, only inches from his own. MonStar took a long slow sniff of Javiers face.
Mmmmmm, his deep voice rumbled in Javiers ear, your fear, your pain.so sweet.
He brought something up to Javiers face, holding it just under his nose. His eyes crossed trying to focus on it and once they did he wished they hadnt. MonStar held his friends heart in front of his face.
Do you smell your companions fear? MonStar whispered in his ear, be quick, it fades fast.
Javier tried to jerk his head away but MonStars grip was far too strong. Youyou monster! the Corsair screamed.
Yeeeeeesss, MonStar whispered into his ear, Come let me..
A loud pop from across the room captured MonStars attention. Javier couldnt tell what the sound was but whatever it had been was followed by a strange voice.
Master, a monotone voice said, apparently it was coming from a control panel on the wall, I apologize for interrupting, but I have news.
No worries Borgy, the madman said non-chalantly, what news do you bring?
The organic has completed the design and after reviewing it myself I find it to be acceptable.
Excellent news indeed my little digitized minion, he said gleefully, Start the construction immediately.
And the organic? Psi-Borg asked.
Ill deliver his reward personally. A small sinister chuckle erupted from the maniac.
Javier could hardly follow what the conversation was about. The pain from his back was excruciating and he was struggling to stay conscience. Just as he was beginning to pass out he was jarred back into consciousness by a light tapped on his face. He once again felt the warm breath of MonStar as he brought his face close to his ear.
No no, my sweet, his whispered softly, Theres no time for a nap, not now. I have to leave you soon and I want to make sure you feel this.
Before he could even ponder what the beast was talking about he felt the sharp pain of MonStars knife enter his body. He tried to scream but only a gurgle escaped as his mouth had already filled with blood. His vision began to darken swiftly but his hearing remained long enough to hear his killers laughter fill the room where he lay dying.
The doors to the small lab slid open with a small hiss. MonStar entered the room with his arms stretched wide, taking long exaggerated steps, and with a wide smile wrapped across his face.
Tabby Tabby Tabby, he said in an overly jovial tone. I just heard the good news. I thought Id stop by and deliver your payment personally. He finished by pulling out his knife.
Tab sat in front of one of the monitor screens on the other side of the room polishing a wrench seemingly unphased by the appearance of the knife welding maniac.
Well arent we the brave one. MonStars voice trailed off as he stopped advancing toward Tab and tilted his head inquisitively. His smile slowly returned as he put his knife away and continued toward the little man sitting in the chair.
My my arent you the clever one, MonStar bent forward and looked at Tab Troep, stopping only a few inches from his face. Tab, who was still polishing his wrench, continued to show no sign of registering the madmans presence.
MonStar brought up is finger and poked Tab in the face, or tried to. His finger moved right through Tabs face, the finger broke the surface of the image sending ripples through the hologram.
MonStar stood up and looked toward the panel in front of Tabs hologram. He stared at it blankly as he connected into the system. Only a moment later, the screen on the panel turned on. The screen displayed the video feed from one of the planets many hanger bays. The hanger bay shown was where Tab Troeps ship, the Vostromeda, was located. As the camera panned across the hanger bay it was clear that the Vostromeda and its owner were long gone.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAA! MonStar roared, thoroughly impressed by the little mans cleverness. He had succeeded in building a hologram projector under Psi-Borgs unceasingly watchful eye and when MonStar had diverted Psi-Borg to oversee the construction of the Necrosis Prime he made his escape.
MonStar turned and walked out of the room, still chuckling over the ruse. As he made his way down the corridor he let his mind dwell on the possibilities of someone clever enough to pull off such a perfect deception designing a warship, his warship. Images of a slaughter beyond reckoning swirled through MonStars mind. Bringing a most evil grin to the maniacs face.
HAHAHAAHAHAAHAAAAAA! MonStar resumed his roaring laughter as he walked down the corridor leading back toward the hanger where the construction of the Necrosis Prime was well underway.
The doors released an almost inaudible hiss as they slip open. The room beyond was dimly lit, the only light in the room was from the various control panels and the large monitor screens lining the walls. Very little sound accompanied the lack of light, the only sounds that could be heard were the occasional beep that conveyed a function being performed on one of the consoles littering the room. The door opening broke that silence, as did the footsteps of the person whom the door had opened for.
MonStar strolled onto the bridge of the Necrosis, stretching his arms out wide as he entered the room.
Ahhh. MonStar closed his eyes and took a deep breath as if to sample the air. A wide smile appeared on his face, the sample seemed to be to his liking, So nice to be home, dont you agree Borgo?
PSI-Borgs face appeared on one of the main screens on the side of the room, Indeed Master. PSI-Borgs image moved from screen to screen as if walking between them until he stopped on the main front monitor. The construction of the Necrosis was a necessary distraction but I am looking forward to renewing the disinfection of Sirius.
HAHAHAHAHAAAA! MonStar wailed as he sat down in his new command chair, there you go reading my mind again my pet. I too am ready to get back to work, give me a status update on our new home.
PSI-Borgs image on the main screen was replaced with an external frontal view. As you can see my lord, we are about to exit Planet Gammus atmosphere.
As PSI-Borg spoke the docking ring came into view and began opening to allow the Necrosis to pass.
All systems are operating well within normal parameters.
MonStar watched intently as the view on the screen changed from the bluish atmosphere of the planet to the blackness of space.
Let us delay no longer my fiendish friend, we have some catching up to do. MonStars eyebrow rose sharply as he spoke, Set a course for somewhere, populated.
As you wish master.
The monstrous ship turned and increased speed to full, Planet Gammu rapidly shrinking behind it.
Only a few moments pasted before MonStars attention was pulled away from his daydreaming about future activities.
Master scanners hav. PSI-Borg began to announce but was stopped short by an upraised hand.
Yes my pet, I see them. MonStar said staring off into nothingness, connected to the Necrosis systems himself. A small band of blue ships hmmmm?
Master, I calculate that these ships are a contingent of the alien group known as..
Nomads. MonStar finished the sentence. Interesting little creatures from what I hear, as vicious as they are beautiful. Creatures after my own heart really, but alas my trigger finger is itchy and with nothing else around they are about to find themselves in an unpleasant situation.
The Necrosis dropped out of cruise and slowed to a crawl, allowing the trio of Nomad fighters to catch up. The multitude of turrets spun around and began tracking the ships, waiting patiently until the targets were within range.
An evil smirk shown on MonStars face, widening as the anticipation of what was to come grew. His eyes widened and he slowly slid to the edge of his seat.
Ready, aim, fi.. MonStars smile disappeared from his face suddenly and his face began to wince. His vision swirled, replaced by countless images passing through on an endless cycle. the images came and went so fast that they were nothing more than blurs, the effect was dizzying. Waves of emotions accompanied the blurring images, at times Mon'Star thought he was screaming, laughing and crying all at once, he fought to control the outburst but it was no use. Pain erupted throughout his body, a pain he had never felt before. The intensity of the pain was incredible. MonStar had been shot, stabbed, and even burned throughout his long and illustrious campaign of terror but nothing compared to what he was feeling at the moment. It was like every nerve in his body was on fire.
He hastily grabbed at the armrests of his command chair, narrowly stopping him from falling into the floor in front of him. Staring at the floor, he watched as his vision narrowed.
Fl..ee.. MonStar was barely able to speak the command to PSI-Borg before finally collapsing in the floor. Just when he was sure the darkness was about to close in on him, the pain began to fade. Mon'Star pulled himself back into his chair as the pain dissipated, leaving as quickly as it had appeared.
"Master," PSI-Borg's voice was distant at first but was gradually coming into focus, "what just happened?"
Mon'Star sat back in his chair, took a deep breath, and wiped the saliva and mucus from his nose and mouth. He glanced up at the main viewing screen to see the Necrosis had jumped back into cruise speed, putting an ever-growing distance between it and the Nomads. All remnants of his typical smile were nowhere to be seen on his face. "I'm not sure," he said giving deep throaty cough, "but I believe it's in our best interest to find out."
He leaned back into his chair and took a deep breath. As the Necrosis dropped out of cruise just outside of the Jump hole leading out of the system he couldnt help but wonder what had just happened. Whatever it was he didnt like it and was determined to not let it happen again.
